Those looking to redecorate their homes or who are buying furniture for the first time have a new option in town: Willis Furniture.
The shop, which opened March 1, sells used and new furniture.
The owners, the Hermesmann family, also own three furniture stores in Durango, including a Willis Furniture."We're basically mirroring the store business model that we're doing in Durango," said Ted Hermesmann. "We just happened to look at the market over there and thought (the store would) be another asset for Cortez."The building, at 1126 E. Main St., has seen a variety of uses through the years, including the hotel swimming pool and showroom.
The 9,000-square-foot building underwent an extensive remodel that began at the end of 2012 to accommodate the furniture business, said general manager LaRhonda Crouch.
The store carries everything from sofas and chairs to bars and bedroom sets. Sofas cost anywhere from $79 to $700 and bedroom sets fall into the same range.
Crouch described the furniture as "shaggy chic" and "contemporary," plus some antiques.
The furniture is changed several times a week.
"I always say, 'If you don't find what you want, come in tomorrow because you're going to find something different,'" Crouch said.
The store has seen good businesses in the month since it opened its doors, with 10 to 20 customers coming in each day, though not everyone makes a purchase. Crouch calls those "be back" customers.
"They'll look around and then go home to see what they want to replace and what will fit," she said.
The store gets furniture from people in town and other sellers. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The family also owns the Rodeway Inn next to the new furniture store.